Websites

Websites

Didn't find your answer?

I just had to post this one bearing in mind recent postings re the merits of websites.

I contacted a professional website developers for a possible new website for my practice and asked to see some of their work. They sent me an email with a list of clients sites, and added a footnote that they didnt have a website themselves as they tend to rely on business coming from word of mouth!

I must add the sites they have done are extremly professional and they have done some super looking sites for accountants and solictors.

So now its official rely on word of mouth, why bother with a website!
AJ

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By leoludwig
28th Feb 2008 17:13

I do...
Hi AJ,

I do read accountingweb 2 or 3 times a day but not looking for opportunities, rather to look for areas where I have enough knowledge to be able to help.

My area of expertise being websites (and everything related to them), general IT (basic level) and french. I am not an accountant so I can't really help for tax or accounting questions.

I don't believe in hard sell, and I don't believe that my messages were hard selling - if it's to them you were referring to ;o) - I just mentioned why I think specialist suppliers are better. A bit like saying get a specialist tax speaker - hi Mark - to speak at a tax conference rather than a generalist.

Kind Regards,

Leo

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By User deleted
28th Feb 2008 13:05

Marketing
Ultimately we are all in business to sell whether it be a website or accounting and taxation services. Personally I wouldnt get a website from someone who didnt have one themselves, and on the other hand I wouldnt get one from a company that used a hard sell approach.

(Leo you must scan this site every day for oppurtunities!)

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By leoludwig
28th Feb 2008 08:56

Websites for accountants
As Graham pointed out, there seem to be a number of UK based specialist suppliers that have developed tools and systems that will make your site better than the simple 'brochure' type site.

The main advantages of using one of these suppliers over a 'normal' web designer resides in the fact that:
1. they are industry focussed and therefore gained experience in producing websites that are tailor-made to suit accountants and their audience;
2. they have invested in developing tools to automate many of the mundane tasks faced by accountants (automated emails reminders, critical information update / maintenance);
3. they offer add-ons that many web design companies can't - many calculators, monthly newsletters, email marketing engine, secure document exchange platform, tax games, etc...;
4. those who work on a monthly fee retainer usually offer unlimited maintenance / update and will keep the site 'fresh' for you, leaving you time to concentrate on your business instead of your website.

Leo
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Accountant Websmiths

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By AnonymousUser
27th Feb 2008 13:53

WEBSITES ARE INVALUABLE
Much depends on what type of website you have, A static `business card` type is pointless.

If however like our own you have constantly updated factsheets, searchable data and news and one that automatically notifies clients of tax and business deadlines, budget updates then it becomes a time saving tool and ensures that your clients are properly informed. They also get an electronic personalised monthly newsletter and special notices where needed.

With clients getting auto informed emails at least once a month it also keeps the practice at the forefront and gives a highly professional image.

We get less trivial calls because our clients can find detail that they want by going on line. No client can claim they weren`t told of a deadline either!

Graham Associates (International) Ltd
www.graham-assoc.co.uk

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By User deleted
26th Feb 2008 18:47

Irony
This is a light hearted posting!

I just found it somewhat ironic, and rather amusing, that one who sells websites doesnt think its worthwhile having one to sell their services.

I know the merits of websites I have one - I wanted mine redesigned after all.

And no I wont be using them - in part as they have no website and for other reasons.

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By leoludwig
26th Feb 2008 18:17

They may be missing out ...
Word of mouth is only one way to get new clients, as is advertising, mail shot, cold calling etc...

Having a website is not an end all be all for many companies but rather part of an ensemble that potential clients expect nowadays.

For businesses, having a website is like having a business card. Some can do without, but having one make you look more professional and more established to the eyes of potential buyers.

Additionally if you do some advertising, your website is the place where people will go to if they have been 'hooked' by your ad (if you provided the URL in the ad).

Not having a website is relatively unheard of for web designers. Are they a new company, is the site being redesigned, or have they never had one?

Finally, will you get a website from them despite the fact that don't have any? If not, then not having a website made them lose a customer :)

Leo
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Accountant Websmiths

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By listerramjet
26th Feb 2008 17:35

so, what does
"now its official" mean?

you seem to be equating a web site with referrals. If this is what you are expecting then perhaps there might be better uses for the money. I guess others are using web sites for other value added purposes - but in questioning why you are at least asking a good question. Don't stop there - make sure you answer it to your own satisfaction. If you are going to spend the money know what your objectives are and make sure you measure the outcomes.

If wonder if your designers have twigged that you are worth having as a customer if you know what you want and their skills help you achieve that.

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By User deleted
26th Feb 2008 16:38

.*.
It's not all about new businesses, a website can often provide useful information even for a referral.

Also, I have some useful downloads on mine - for existing clients as well as new ones.

I suppose it depends how much you're spending on a website, and what you want to do with it.

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